Five Ways to Learn about the History of Ice Harvesting in Western MA

Ice harvesting is an industry of the past, and one whose roots lie only in cold climates – like western Massachusetts! Done both as a necessity in early New England and as a profitable industry more recently, ice harvesting plays an important role in local history. Over the course of the next few weeks, numerous opportunities exist for families to learn about and take part in ice harvesting!

In the days of western Massachusetts past, when refrigerators weren’t standard kitchen equipment, ice was quite a luxury during the summer. In order to have ice after the spring thaw began, early New Englanders would have to harvest and strategically store ice from local lakes and ponds. Kept in the proper conditions (in the dark, and surrounded by insulation – usually sawdust), the harvested ice would last much longer than the cold weather did.

In addition to providing cool comfort at home during a New England summer, Massachusetts’ past ice harvesting industries sent locally frozen chunks all over the world. Begun in 1844 by Frederic Tudor, the local ice industry shipped ice first to London, then to warmer climates all over the world where, before electric refrigeration, ice was essentially unheard of. By the early 20th century, ice was one of America’s biggest crops (measured by weight).

Part of a rich history of economic pursuits driven by available natural resources, ice harvesting plays an important role in the history of communities all over western Massachusetts. Throughout the upcoming month, local historical societies and museums offer families opportunities to learn – in some cases, experientially – about the process of ice harvesting. Read the rest of this entry »

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Saturday, Dec. 29th 11am and 2pm – CHILDREN’S THEATER: Berkshire Children’s Theater presents, “Pinkalicious!” at the Berkshire Museum! The show is a musical stage adaptation of the book of the same name, and is about a little girl learning how to exercise her self control! Pinkalicious loves anything pink, but her special favorite are pink cupcakes – and, despite her parents cautioning, she eats so many that she turns pink! 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

Sunday, Dec. 30th from 10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: The Springfield Museums’ Wacky Week comes to an end today, as kiddos head back to school tomorrow. Special events and activities for the day include a chance to make silly finger puppets, family science adventures (11am-2pm), New Year’s mask-making, and a performance from BubbleMania! BubbleMania: Effervescent Entertainment is filled with comedy and wit, and will teach audience members all about the amazing magic of bubbles – all to a soundtrack of swing music! 800-625-7738. Springfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, January 5th from 1-4pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Northfield Mountain host Winter Trail Days for families with older children interested in trying snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing for the first time. Free 45 minute clinics are being offered to first time skiers or who have never tried to ski. Equipment provided. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-859-2960. 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA (FREE)

Sunday, January 6th at 6:30pm – THREE KINGS DAY: Celebrate Three Kings Day at the 40th annual caroling event at the Red Lion Inn! The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception will lead visitors in Christmas carols on the steps of the inn, and the event will also include treats for all. 413-298-3691. 30 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

Jan 5

Pioneer Valley Ballet will present its spring production of The Little Mermaid on April 6th and 7th at Northampton’s historic Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, MA. Auditions will be held at the PVB studio at the Eastworks Building (116 Pleasant St.) in Easthampton on Saturday, January 5th for boys and girls ages 5-12yrs. Roles include pearls, crabs, sea horses, starfish and water sprites No dance experience necessary. Please visit www.pioneervalleyballet.org for registration information and audition times, or call the studio at 413-527-6363. Dancers with pointe experience, please contact the studio for additional audition schedules.

Jan 9

Interested in Jewish education? Looking for a progressive school with stellar teachers, vibrant community, and a values-based curriculum? Come to LGA Schechter’s Community Tour for Prospective Parents on Wednesday, January 9th, 9-10:30am. Visit classrooms. Speak with current parents, students, teachers and administrators. Learn what an LGA education is all about! Contact Principal Marcia Holden at mholden@lgaschechter.org or call 413-584-6622 to RSVP — or set up an individual tour on another day. Lander Grinspoon Academy is a Jewish day school located at 257 Prospect St. in Northampton, MA. For more info visit www.lgaschechter.org.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT OR VACATION WEEK CAMP: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Hilltown CDC is hosting a Community Development Forum on Monday, Jan 14 at 1pm at their offices in Chesterfield, MA. Hilltown residents are invited to come discuss housing needs, senior center needs and a variety of social service needs including the Hilltown Elder Network, the Health Outreach Program for Elders, the Food Pantry, and needs for young families including Child Care subsidies and Families Together. Do you have concerns about, compliments for or ideas on how to improve any of these programs in the Hilltowns? Do you have new ideas to share that could be developed further? All ideas are welcome. RSVP to Dave at 413-296-4536 x118 by Jan. 9. If you are unable to attend, you can still send feedback via email to davec@hilltowncdc.org.

Catherine Wolkowicz writes, ” A hilltown family has a personal connection to the tragedy in Sandy Hook. I have a connection. My sister, her first grade son and husband live there. They were lucky. If there is such a thing for any child who attends Sandy Hook Elementary School.” … Read Catherine’s letterto our community and about the Sandy Hook First Grade Survivors Fund she has established.

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Done with your holiday shopping? Need something last minute? Rather than another tchotchke, how about a gift certificate to a local restaurant, an online donation to a local charity in their honor, or a membership to a local museum or to the Friends of your local library? (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Here are six holiday episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show from over the years to share with your family as we celebrate the season. Enjoy these commercial-free podcasts that celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, the New Year and the spirit of peace and giving.

Saturday, December 22nd at 10:30am and 1pm – FAMILY THEATER: Paintbox Theater presents, “A Christmas Carol” – a holiday classic! This special family adaptation of the show will feature lots of audience participation (including a snow-less snowball fight). Performances will take place at Northampton High School. 413-210-1898. 380 Elm Street. Northampton, MA. ($)

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 22nd & 23rd at 2pm – FAMILY FILM: Amherst Cinema screens a special matinee of, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” today! See the film as a family to get into the holiday spirit, and to introduce kids who haven’t seen it to the classic tale. 413-253-2547. 23 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. ($)

Sunday, December 23rd from 4-9pm – HISTORY/HOLIDAY: Celebrate the holiday season the old-fashioned way at Old Sturbridge Village! The historic village’s Christmas by Candlelight series offers families a chance to enjoy non-commercial, relaxed holiday festivities and activities. Go for a sleigh ride, learn about roasting chestnuts over an open fireplace, make your own tin holiday ornaments, vote for your favorite homemade gingerbread house, sing along to Christmas carols with villagers dressed in period clothing, and more! 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)

Sunday, December 23rd at 6pm – CHRISTMAS CAROLING: All are invited to join local 4-H Club for Christmas Caroling Down Main Street. Meet at the Cummington Community House at 6pm and travel from home to home on Main Street to sing holiday songs. Return to Community House for refreshments. Bring plates of cookies to share. 33 Main Street. Cummington, MA (FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, Dec. 29th 11am and 2pm – CHILDREN’S THEATER: Berkshire Children’s Theater presents, “Pinkalicious!” at the Berkshire Museum! The show is a musical stage adaptation of the book of the same name, and is about a little girl learning how to exercise her self control! Pinkalicious loves anything pink, but her special favorite are pink cupcakes – and, despite her parents cautioning, she eats so many that she turns pink! 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

Sunday, Dec. 30th 1-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE/COMICS: Make your own comic book art at drop-in workshops at the Norman Rockwell Museum! The museum is currently hosting an exhibit of comic book art by Alex Ross, and the activities included in the workshops will give kids a chance to create their own comic book-style artwork. Superheroes will be roaming the museum, too – be sure to visit the galleries to find them! 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

BULLETIN BOARD

Dec. 14-15 & 21-22

Tom McCabe’s PaintBox Theatre presents, A Christmas Carol at Northampton High School: Dec. 14th at 7pm; Dec. 15th at 10:30am & 1pm; Dec. 21st at 7pm; Dec. 22nd at 10:30am & 1pm. A child-friendly romp featuring lots of audience participation and holiday cheer. You’ll join in an invisible snowball, snowball fight, and everyone will learn how to waltz. Fifty children artists have drawn pictures of the story’s characters & locales which will be projected above the stage during the performance. Intermission features an audience carol sing, Several audience members will be drafted to play parts including Tiny Tim. Tickets are $7. General Seating – Tickets available online at BrownPaperTickets.com or at the door. More info at PaintBoxTheatre.org.

Through Sept 8, 2013

Lions and Tigers and Museums, Oh My!, on view beginning November 17 at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute’s Stone Hill Center in Williamstown, utilizes video, hands-on activities, taxidermy, and innovative displays to create an exciting learning environment for all ages. The exhibition includes a magnificent specimen of an adult African lion as well as a lioness’s pelt, claws, and a skull that will be available to encourage hands-on exploration. Visitors try on a gauntlet as they try to balance a wooden block that approximates the size and weight of a falcon for a first-hand experience of the difficulty and delicate balance needed in falconry. Visit clarkart.edu to learn about the exhibition and other family events and programs.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT OR VACATION WEEK CAMP: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

Win tickets to final performance on Sunday, Dec. 30th at 2pm in Pittsfield, MA. Deadline to enter for a chance to win: 12/24, 12noon.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens offers a safe and welcoming setting to process the many feelings associated with grief and loss. Any family with a child ages 5-18 years who has experienced the death of a close family member is invited to participate in our Sunday afternoon groups. Groups are offered at no charge. New groups will be forming in February, and will meet at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call 413-584-7086 x124 or email Shelly Bathe Lenn at shelly.thegarden@gmail.com.

Recommend your favorite attraction, must see or must do family winter activity in Western MA, and be entered to win a gift basket from the Old Creamery Co-Op (Value $150)! Deadline to enter for a chance to win: 12/24, 12noon.

A celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation will be held in the Pioneer Valley. On Jan. 1st at 2pm, churches throughout the valley will ring their bells to recognize the moment the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the document that led to the permanent end of slavery. In 1863, at 2pm on New Year’s Day, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, providing that all persons held as slaves would be “then, thenceforward, and forever free,” resulting in the permanent abolition of slavery. Residents are urged to join in this celebration, encouraging their towns & churches to participate by ringing their bells at 2pm on New Year’s Day. For info, contact Robert Romer, rhromer@amherst.edu.

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Here are six holiday episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show from over the years to share with your family as we celebrate the season. Enjoy these commercial-free podcasts that celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, the New Year and the spirit of peace and giving.

Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker are two classics that come alive during the holiday season. Many families make it a yearly tradition to see one or the other (or both)! This weekend and coming week there are several opportunities:

BULLETIN BOARD

Dec. 14-15 & 21-22

Tom McCabe’s PaintBox Theatre presents, A Christmas Carol at Northampton High School: Dec. 14th at 7pm; Dec. 15th at 10:30am & 1pm; Dec. 21st at 7pm; Dec. 22nd at 10:30am & 1pm. A child-friendly romp featuring lots of audience participation and holiday cheer. You’ll join in an invisible snowball, snowball fight, and everyone will learn how to waltz. Fifty children artists have drawn pictures of the story’s characters & locales which will be projected above the stage during the performance. Intermission features an audience carol sing, Several audience members will be drafted to play parts including Tiny Tim. Tickets are $7. General Seating – Tickets available online at BrownPaperTickets.com or at the door. More info at PaintBoxTheatre.org.

Through Sept 8, 2013

Lions and Tigers and Museums, Oh My!, on view beginning November 17 at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute’s Stone Hill Center in Williamstown, utilizes video, hands-on activities, taxidermy, and innovative displays to create an exciting learning environment for all ages. The exhibition includes a magnificent specimen of an adult African lion as well as a lioness’s pelt, claws, and a skull that will be available to encourage hands-on exploration. Visitors try on a gauntlet as they try to balance a wooden block that approximates the size and weight of a falcon for a first-hand experience of the difficulty and delicate balance needed in falconry. Visit clarkart.edu to learn about the exhibition and other family events and programs.

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT OR VACATION WEEK CAMP: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

Win tickets to final performance on Sunday, Dec. 30th at 2pm in Pittsfield, MA. Deadline to enter for a chance to win: 12/24, 12noon.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

A celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation will be held in the Pioneer Valley. On Jan. 1st at 2pm, churches throughout the valley will ring their bells to recognize the moment the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the document that led to the permanent end of slavery. In 1863, at 2pm on New Year’s Day, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, providing that all persons held as slaves would be “then, thenceforward, and forever free,” resulting in the permanent abolition of slavery. Residents are urged to join in this celebration, encouraging their towns & churches to participate by ringing their bells at 2pm on New Year’s Day. For info, contact Robert Romer, rhromer@amherst.edu.

Child Care of the Berkshires writes, “Berkshire Youth Mentoring is gearing up for its 1st Bowl-a-Thon on Saturday, February 9th, 1-7pm., at Mt. Greylock Bowl in North Adams, MA. Save the date and prepare to have fun as we bring back Bowling for Kid’s Sake to the Berkshires. Money raised through this event stays right here in our community. Berkshire Youth Mentoring Program of Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc., builds dynamic mentoring relationships to expand youths’ interests, joys, strengths and possibilities for the future. We are seeking dedicated community members who can volunteer 1-2 hours a week. Contact Alex at 413-663-6593 or alenski@ccberkshire.org for more info.”

The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens offers a safe and welcoming setting to process the many feelings associated with grief and loss. Any family with a child ages 5-18 years who has experienced the death of a close family member is invited to participate in our Sunday afternoon groups. Groups are offered at no charge. New groups will be forming in February, and will meet at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call 413-584-7086 x124 or email Shelly Bathe Lenn at shelly.thegarden@gmail.com.

American Centuries: Views from New England
Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield
Offers Online Educational Resources
on American Village History

Western Massachusetts today is home to scores of artists and artisans – a fact that brings visitors from near and far to see the unique and interesting products and pieces being created in the region. Art has been a common thread amongst local residents for decades, and it could perhaps be said that the roots of the local art community lie in the American Arts and Crafts Movement. Taking place around the turn of the 20th century, the movement was particularly prevalent amongst artists in Deerfield, MA. The movement stood largely as an effort to counter the lack of artistry and creativity in decorative arts that resulted from the cultural changes that took place during the Industrial Revolution. Artists in Deerfield created Colonial-inspired needlework, baskets, furniture, weavings, and more in the style of their New England settler predecessors.

Families can learn all about the movement’s local influence at the Memorial Hall Museum! Located on Memorial Street in Old Deerfield, the museum is full of beautiful pieces illustrating the particular artistic style embodying the historic spirit of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, as well as artifacts from Deerfield’s earliest days and exhibits on the history and development of early new England.

Dress Up: See, hear and learn about the unfamiliar clothes people wore throughout American history.

First Person: Twentieth-century history as told by people who lived it and made it.

African American Historic Sites: An interactive map of Deerfield reveals historic sites with information on enslaved African Americans in the eighteenth century.

Now Read This: Try your hand at reading and transcribing some old and unusual writing.

Magic Lens: Move the Magic Lens over old manuscripts to reveal what the writing says.

Objects in the Round: Rotate objects from the collection to see them from every side.

Demonstrations of Early American Tools: Watch brief videos to learn how tools from the past worked.

New England Architecture: Explore New England house styles though history.

Chronologies: Make a collection of items from the Digital Collection and place on a time line.

For those interested in learning more about the American Arts and Crafts Movement’s local influence, the Memorial Hall Museum’s curator, Suzanne Flynt, has created an informational and interactive website (www.artscrafts-deerfield.org) to accompany her new book, Poetry to the Earth: The Arts and Crafts Movement in Deerfield. The site breaks down the plethora of information available into sections detailing important artifacts, artists and artisans, and places of interest. Also included is an incredibly detailed timeline, matching significant local events up with historic happenings on a national level.

The information available from these resources can be adapted for use with students of any age, and can be used to help create a place-based component to studies of the Industrial Revolution, art history, American cultural history, and more.

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Did you know that Christmas trees were pretty much only a German tradition until the 1840s, when Queen Victoria’s German husband, Prince Albert, gave her a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts, and the custom began to catch on in the English-speaking world? Discover more about the history of holiday traditions at Old Stubridge Christmas by Candlelight.

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

On Saturday, Dec. 8th from 10am-5pm in Franklin County – HOLIDAY STROLL: 7th annual holiday celebration, “A Special Day in Northfield.” The event is a non-commercial community holiday celebration that offers families an opportunity to explore, be creative, and enjoy what Northfield has to offer! Local artists and antiques stores will be open, too, so if you want to do any holiday shopping, you can shop locally and/or handmade. 413-498-5921 or 413-498-2414. Free parking behind 105 Main Street. Northfield, MA (FREE)

On Saturday, Dec. 8th from 11am in Berkshire County – HOLIDAYS/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: The Berkshire Museum hosts the Festival of Trees Family Day today! The event includes fun family activities, performances, and, of course, the museum’s hall filled with beautiful and uniquely decorated Christmas trees. There will be special events taking place throughout the day, including a visit from some of the fascinating animals at Burpee’s Zoo (11am), cookie decorating and a cookie contest (supplies for decorating provided, BYO cookies for contest – participants should bring 4 dozen of their favorite cookie and register in advance), and performances by the Taconic High School chorus and the Berkshire Singers. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

On Saturday, Dec. 8th from 1-4pm in Hampden County – VICTORIAN HOLIDAY: The Wistariahurst Museum invites families to make Victorian crafts at their Holiday Crafts for the Family event. Learn how to make Christmas crackers, beautiful beaded ornaments, lanterns and more! Reservations suggested. Santa will also be at the museum to read “The Night Before Christmas” at 4:30pm by the fire. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA (>$)

On Sunday, Dec 9th from 12noon-4pm in Hampshire County – HANNUKAH: Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights with the Yiddish Book Center! There will be a performance of The Magic Dreidel at 2pm, before which will be two workshops for families that will teach Hannukah songs and lines from the show so that community members can participate in the performance! A workshop for ages 8+ takes place from 12noon-12:30pm, and a workshop for ages 3-8 takes place from 12:30-1:30pm. All are welcome! 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

SANTA SIGHTINGS

If your kids are looking forward to meeting Santa, but you just can’t bear the thought of going to the mall, there are several non-commercial venues to see Santa this weekend. Here are a few:

BULLETIN BOARD

Dec. 7th-9th

Welcome Yule: A Midwinter Celebration. Music, dance, songs and stories celebrating the return of the light. The 28th annual show with songs about feasting and festivities, a lively Mummer’s Play, and a traditional folk story. The Shea Theater at 71 Avenue A in Turners Falls on Dec. 7th & 8th at 7:30pm and Sun., Dec. 9th at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors & children, four & under free. Bring a non-perishable item for the Franklin Area Survival Center and receive a free snack at intermission! Reserve tickets at 413-863-2281 or purchase in advance at Jones Library in Amherst, Broadside Books in Northampton, the World Eye Bookstore in Greenfield, or online at Brattleborotix.com. More info: www.welcomeyule.org. 413-665-3206.

Dec. 7th-9th

Pioneer Valley Ballet is proud to present its 34th annual production of the Nutcracker, an enchanting, classic ballet production at the landmark Academy of Music Theatre: Fri, Dec. 7 at 4pm & 7:30pm, and Sat, Dec. 8 & Sun, Dec. 9. at 1pm & 4:30pm. All tickets are reserved seating and available online and in person at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Senior discounts available in person only. To purchase tickets, call the Pioneer Valley Ballet at 413-527-6363, or the Academy of Music box at 413-584-9032 x105, or visit www.academyofmusictheatre.com. All shows have discounted high school & college student RUSH seats available 1/2 hour prior each performance at box office window. RUSH seats are restricted to upper balcony only.

Dec. 8th

Meet the Illustrator at the Montague Bookmill (440 Greenfield Rd. Montague). Brendan Flannelly-King is a children’s illustrator from Ashfield and his first picture book is coming out! Come celebrate Good News Nelson (written by Jodi Moore and published by Story Pie Press) with him as he signs, sells and reads from the book Saturday, December 8th at the Montague Bookmill from 11am-1:30pm. Its a heartwarming story of neighbors helping neighbors, youth empowerment, animal rescue, compassion and friendship with adorable little kitties throughout! Visit www.storypiepress.com to learn more about Good News Nelson. A portion of proceeds will go to The Humane Society of the United States and Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society.

Dec. 9th

Fire in the Darkness: A Winter Hanukkah Festival. As winter solstice approaches, Hanukkah is a welcome opportunity to bathe in light. Everyone is warmly welcomed to a joyous Hanukkah celebration to celebrate the Jewish festival of light. Performances by local fire dancers, live music, latkes, candle-lighting and a toasty bonfire. Dress warmly! Sunday, November 9th from 4-6pm at Congregation Bnai Israel, 253 Prospect Street, in Northampton, MA. 413-584-3593. Contact rabbijacob@cbinorthampton.org for more information.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Hilltown Families 3rd Annual Board Game Swap happens this Saturday, Dec. 1st from 9:30-10:30am in the community room at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg, MA. It’s free and open to all! Bring your games to swap!

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Saturday, December 1st from 11am-4pm – WINTER FESTIVAL/HISTORY: Join Storrowton Village in celebrating the holiday season and the coming of winter at the Winter Festival! Along with tours of the beautifully decorated village, there will be demonstrations of 19th century crafts, ice sculpting, crafts for kids, music performances, storytelling, caroling, animals to meet and learn about, and more. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Avenue. West Springfield, MA. (<$)

Saturday, December 1st from 4:30-6pm – TREE LIGHTING: Northampton is lighting up for the holidays tonight! Visit Pulaski Parkto see Santa and Mrs. Claus (arriving via fire truck!), participate in caroling, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and, of course, see the tree be lit for the first time. Main Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, December 2nd from 12noon-2pm – HOLIDAY STROLL: Experience Main Street in Stockbridge just like Norman Rockwell did during the Stockbridge Holiday Stroll! Downtown Stockbridge will be filled with antique cars, carolers will perform all over town, and there will be fun family activities for all! The re-creation is a unique opportunity to experience Norman Rockwell’s work in real life! 413-298-5200. Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (<$)

HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS

Deadline: December 1st

Call for Youth Photographers: Western MA youth photographers ages 8-18 are invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Places We Live, Play & Learn: Narratives of Life by Western Massachusetts Youth Photographers.” Hosted by Hilltown Families with the support of the Cummington Cultural Council, the exhibit will be on display at the Cummington Community House Gallery in the rear of the Cummington Community House, originally schedule for this fall, now scheduled for the month of January 2013. Exhibit gives youth an opportunity to explore their towns and document their findings both in images and a written narrative. Participation is free and open to all youth living in Western MA. Deadline for entry has been extended to Dec 1st, 2012. An application and entry rules can be downloaded here: Places We Live, Play & Learn Application Form (pdf).

On Saturday, December 1st from 9:30-10:30am, Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room in Williamsburg, MA. Bring in board games, puzzles & card games you would like to swap with other families. New this year, incomplete games are welcomed and will be donated to the Northampton Creative ReUse Committee. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

Dec. 1st

On Sat. Dec. 1st, Greenfield Center School will again host a Crafty Rumpus Open House. This is a creative, freeholiday gift making event for children ages 3-12. New this year they will have a Middle School Melee—a party celebrating 5th-8th graders with an indoor bounce house, dance party, henna tattoos and even a chocolate fountain. In addition: savory and sweet foods available for purchase, free pony rides, and admissions information available. Come, meet the teachers and families of the Center School. Enjoy a day of fun and creativity. All are welcome! For directions: www.centerschool.net and check out the Rumpus website: www.craftyrumpus.com. Crafty Rumpus and Middle School Melee. Sat. Dec. 1st, 10am-2pm. Greenfield, MA.

Dec. 7th-9th

Pioneer Valley Ballet is proud to present its 34th annual production of the Nutcracker, an enchanting, classic ballet production at the landmark Academy of Music Theatre: Fri, Dec. 7 at 4pm & 7:30pm, and Sat, Dec. 8 & Sun, Dec. 9. at 1pm & 4:30pm. All tickets are reserved seating and available online and in person at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Senior discounts available in person only. To purchase tickets, call the Pioneer Valley Ballet at 413-527-6363, or the Academy of Music box at 413-584-9032 x105, or visit www.academyofmusictheatre.com. All shows have discounted high school & college student RUSH seats available 1/2 hour prior each performance at box office window. RUSH seats are restricted to upper balcony only.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

“I love that Hilltown Families is offering such great opportunities for Parents’ Night Out–it’s a wonderful addition to your great resources which help keep our whole family actively engaged with local goodness.” – Kate Kruckemeyer (Holyoke, MA)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: WIN TICKETS: Hilltown Families and Signature Sounds have partnered up to offer a pair of tickets to The Sweetback Sisters’ Country Christmas Singalong Spectacular at the Iron Horse in Northampton on Sunday, Dec. 9th at 7pm! We also have a couple of copies of their new CD to giveaway too! Find out how you can enter to win HERE. Deadline to enter to win: by midnight, 12/5.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

The holiday season is upon us! We asked our readers for recommendations on where to get a locally grown Christmas Tree. Check out these recommendations on fun places to go with the family to choose/cut your own, and add to the list.

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

WEEKEND BEST BETS

Saturday, Nov. 24th from 1-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE/COMICS: The Norman Rockwell Museum is hosting an afternoon full of superhero-themed fun, to accompany an exhibit of comic book art. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero (from a comic book or their imagination!), and can explore the museum, do art activities, listen to storytellers, and more. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

Saturday, Nov. 24th at 2pm and 3pm – FAMILY THEATER: Picture Book Theater presents Eric Carle’s The Very Quiet Cricket and The Very Lonely Firefly – puppet style! – at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. See these classic children’s stories come alive with all of the beauty of Carle’s signature collaged illustrations. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)

Sunday, Nov. 25th at 11am – COMMUNITYWALK: The annual Gorge Apres Gorge, a sweet post-Thanksgiving community tradition in the heart of the Hilltowns, takes place on Sunday at the Chesterfield Gorge. Bring your family and friends and stroll along the Westfield River in a post-Thanksgiving community walk (you can run too). A 5K run happens earlier at 9am to benefit the Trustees of Reservations ($). BYO potluck items to share with other participants after the walk. Chesterfield Gorge. Ireland Street. West Chesterfield, MA. (FREE)

HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS

Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Night: Join Hilltown Families for an evening of volunteering together with your family during our first ever Family Community Service Night! On Friday, November 30th from 4:30-7:30pm in Northampton, families can come together for a fun evening visiting five different volunteer stations, each offering a simple, hands-on service project for all ages. Volunteering as a family helps children learn values like kindness, respect and friendliness, and on this evening you can volunteer with five different local non-profits in a single evening! Space is limited so reserve a spot for your family today!

Call for Youth Photographers: Western MA youth photographers ages 8-18 are invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Places We Live, Play & Learn: Narratives of Life by Western Massachusetts Youth Photographers.” Hosted by Hilltown Families with the support of the Cummington Cultural Council, the exhibit will be on display at the Cummington Community House Gallery in the rear of the Cummington Community House, originally schedule for this fall, now scheduled for the month of January 2013. Exhibit gives youth an opportunity to explore their towns and document their findings both in images and a written narrative. Participation is free and open to all youth living in Western MA. Deadline for entry has been extended to Dec 1st, 2012. An application and entry rules can be downloaded here: Places We Live, Play & Learn Application Form (pdf).

On Saturday, December 1st from 9:30-10:30am, Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room in Williamsburg, MA. Bring in board games, puzzles & card games you would like to swap with other families. New this year, incomplete games are welcomed and will be donated to the Northampton Creative ReUse Committee. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

Dec. 1st

On Sat. Dec. 1st, Greenfield Center School will again host a Crafty Rumpus Open House. This is a creative, freeholiday gift making event for children ages 3-12. New this year they will have a Middle School Melee—a party celebrating 5th-8th graders with an indoor bounce house, dance party, henna tattoos and even a chocolate fountain. In addition: savory and sweet foods available for purchase, free pony rides, and admissions information available. Come, meet the teachers and families of the Center School. Enjoy a day of fun and creativity. All are welcome! For directions: www.centerschool.net and check out the Rumpus website: www.craftyrumpus.com. Crafty Rumpus and Middle School Melee. Sat. Dec. 1st, 10am-2pm. Greenfield, MA.

Dec. 7th-9th

Pioneer Valley Ballet is proud to present its 34th annual production of the Nutcracker, an enchanting, classic ballet production at the landmark Academy of Music Theatre: Fri, Dec. 7 at 4pm & 7:30pm, and Sat, Dec. 8 & Sun, Dec. 9. at 1pm & 4:30pm. All tickets are reserved seating and available online and in person at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Senior discounts available in person only. To purchase tickets, call the Pioneer Valley Ballet at 413-527-6363, or the Academy of Music box at 413-584-9032 x105, or visit www.academyofmusictheatre.com. All shows have discounted high school & college student RUSH seats available 1/2 hour prior each performance at box office window. RUSH seats are restricted to upper balcony only.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

For November we are pleased to offer a chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to see Jake Shimabukuro at the Calvin Theater in Northampton, MA at 8pm on Saturday, De. 1st, 2012. Deadline to enter: Tues., 11/27.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Next Thursday, Nov. 22nd is Thanksgiving and there are several opportunities to stock up on local ingredients for your family Thanksgiving Dinner, including in Easthampton on Friday, Nov. 16th, Great Barrington and Amherst on Saturday, Nov. 17th, and Shelburne on Sunday, Nov. 18th. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Saturday, November 17th from 10am-3pm – HOLIDAY FAIR/CRAFT MAKING: Go on a hayride, dip candles, make your own holiday gifts, see a marionette show, enjoy homemade food, and more at the Hartsbrook School’s Holiday Fair! The Pocket Lady and King Winter might even pay a visit! 413-586-1908. 193 Bay Road. Hadley, MA. (FREE ENTRANCE, >$)

Sunday, November 18th at 5pm – CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: The holidays have begun – and the tree at Yankee Candlewill be lit tonight! Visit the company’s flagship store for the tree lighting, which will feature a visit from Santa himself, as well as carolers, hot chocolate, and cookies. 877-636-7707. 25 Greenfield Road. Deerfield, MA. (FREE)

HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS

Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Night: Join Hilltown Families for an evening of volunteering together with your family during our first ever Family Community Service Night! On Friday, November 30th from 4:30-7:30pm in Northampton, families can come together for a fun evening visiting five different volunteer stations, each offering a simple, hands-on service project for all ages. Volunteering as a family helps children learn values like kindness, respect and friendliness, and on this evening you can volunteer with five different local non-profits in a single evening! Space is limited so reserve a spot for your family today!

Call for Youth Photographers: Western MA youth photographers ages 8-18 are invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Places We Live, Play & Learn: Narratives of Life by Western Massachusetts Youth Photographers.” Hosted by Hilltown Families with the support of the Cummington Cultural Council, the exhibit will be on display at the Cummington Community House Gallery in the rear of the Cummington Community House, originally schedule for this fall, now scheduled for the month of January 2013. Exhibit gives youth an opportunity to explore their towns and document their findings both in images and a written narrative. Participation is free and open to all youth living in Western MA. Deadline for entry has been extended to Dec 1st, 2012. An application and entry rules can be downloaded here: Places We Live, Play & Learn Application Form (pdf).

On Saturday, December 1st from 9:30-10:30am, Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room in Williamsburg, MA. Bring in board games, puzzles & card games you would like to swap with other families. New this year, incomplete games are welcomed and will be donated to the Northampton Creative ReUse Committee. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

Beginning Nov 17

Lions and Tigers and Museums, Oh My!, on view beginning November 17 at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute’s Stone Hill Center in Williamstown, utilizes video, hands-on activities, taxidermy, and innovative displays to create an exciting learning environment for all ages. The exhibition includes a magnificent specimen of an adult African lion as well as a lioness’s pelt, claws, and a skull that will be available to encourage hands-on exploration. Visitors try on a gauntlet as they try to balance a wooden block that approximates the size and weight of a falcon for a first-hand experience of the difficulty and delicate balance needed in falconry. Visit clarkart.edu to learn about the exhibition and other family events and programs.

Nov 18

On Sunday November 18th at 3pm, Jane Yolen, “The Hans Christian Andersen of America,” joins folksinger-songwriter Lui Collins in An Afternoon of Poetry and Song for all ages at the Ashfield Community Hall. This family-friendly concert features Jane’s poems interspersed with Lui’s songs, including several of Jane’s poems she has set to music. All proceeds benefit Upside-Up Music’s Scholarship Fund, making family music classes accessible in the Hilltowns. Refreshments, books and CDs available for sale and autographing at intermission. Suggested donation $12; students, seniors, low income $10; <12 $5; <2 free. Family maximum $29. Reservations requested: lui@luicollins.com.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

The Franklin Land Trust has several hiking trails for families to explore in Franklin County. Get out with the kids and enjoy the tail end of fall before thick blankets of snow arrive. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Saturday, November 10th from 10am-4pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: Shop local and handmade for the holidays at the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School’s Holiday Handcraft Fair! There will be a market of beautiful children’s games, toys, and other wares, as well as a gently-used-corner, jump rope making for kids, a performance from Roger the Jester, silent auction and raffles, food, and more. 413-528-4015. 35 West Plain Road. Great Barrington, MA. (MARKET)

Saturday, November 10th from 12noon-3pm – CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Celebrate Beatrix Potter and her classic children’s tales featuring a menagerie of woodland critters! White Square Books is hosting a special themed party, which will include a reading of some of Beatrix’s best beloved stories and a variety of treats (including currant buns, blackberries, and “rabbit food” snacks like radishes, greens, beans, and parsley). There will also be a clay table where kids can make a figurine of their favorite Beatrix Potter character! 413-203-1717. 86 Cottage Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, November 17th at 1pm – PUPPET SHOW: Puppeteer Jonathan Keezing and his Caravan Puppets will perform Timeless Tales at the Meekins Library, Hawks~Hayden Community Room. Keezing’s delightful, multi-cultural, Timeless Tales are told through diverse puppetry styles, with original music in a traditional puppet staging. With his unique handcrafted puppets and interactive comic style Keezing will bring his puppets to life giving children the excitement and magic of a live puppet show. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams Street. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

Nov 11

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst is turning 10! Celebrate this Sunday, November 11th during their 10th Anniversary Book Signing Bash from 12-5pm. Come see the new exhibit, Iconic Images: Ten Years of Collecting for The Carle, with art from the masters of the past and present and favorite characters like Shrek and Babar on view! More than 15 artists will be there to sign books – and Eric Carle, Tony DiTerlizzi, and Peter Laird will be creating doodles! Plus, art activities, storytimes, live music, and free butterfly temporary tattoos! For schedule and information about doodles, please visit www.carlemuseum.org.

Beginning Nov 17

Lions and Tigers and Museums, Oh My!, on view beginning November 17 at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute’s Stone Hill Center in Williamstown, utilizes video, hands-on activities, taxidermy, and innovative displays to create an exciting learning environment for all ages. The exhibition includes a magnificent specimen of an adult African lion as well as a lioness’s pelt, claws, and a skull that will be available to encourage hands-on exploration. Visitors try on a gauntlet as they try to balance a wooden block that approximates the size and weight of a falcon for a first-hand experience of the difficulty and delicate balance needed in falconry. Visit clarkart.edu to learn about the exhibition and other family events and programs.

Nov 18

On Sunday November 18th at 3pm, Jane Yolen, “The Hans Christian Andersen of America,” joins folksinger-songwriter Lui Collins in An Afternoon of Poetry and Song for all ages at the Ashfield Community Hall. This family-friendly concert features Jane’s poems interspersed with Lui’s songs, including several of Jane’s poems she has set to music. All proceeds benefit Upside-Up Music’s Scholarship Fund, making family music classes accessible in the Hilltowns. Refreshments, books and CDs available for sale and autographing at intermission. Suggested donation $12; students, seniors, low income $10; <12 $5; <2 free. Family maximum $29. Reservations requested: lui@luicollins.com.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital has a lot to be proud of; voted the #1 Women’s Health and Childbirth Center again in the Advocate’s Readers poll for 2012. Want to share in the celebration? Learn more about the birthing options available at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, you will have tons of choices from OB/GYNs to certified midwives, to water births and more. Show your support for the Valley’s Best Birthing Center, “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook and receive a FREE pair of socks for your baby.Facebook.com/cooleydickinson. For information about the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital visit http://www.cooley-dickinson.org. And remember, “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook for FREE baby socks.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Call for Youth Photographers: Western MA youth photographers ages 8-18 are invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Places We Live, Play & Learn: Narratives of Life by Western Massachusetts Youth Photographers.” Hosted by Hilltown Families with the support of the Cummington Cultural Council, the exhibit will be on display at the Cummington Community House Gallery in the rear of the Cummington Community House, originally schedule for this fall, now scheduled for the month of January 2013. Exhibit gives youth an opportunity to explore their towns and document their findings both in images and a written narrative. Participation is free and open to all youth living in Western MA. Deadline for entry has been extended to Dec 1st, 2012. An application and entry rules can be downloaded here: Places We Live, Play & Learn Application Form (pdf).

On Saturday, December 1st from 9:30-10:30am, Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room in Williamsburg, MA. Bring in board games, puzzles & card games you would like to swap with other families. New this year, incomplete games are welcomed and will be donated to the Northampton Creative ReUse Committee. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

In it’s third year, the Handmade for Kids Holiday Fair is the Cummington Family Center’s annual fundraiser and an excellent opportunity for community members to find commercial-free handmade items, many supporting creative free play.

Saturday, November 3rd 10am-3pm – HANDMADE FOR KIDS CRAFT FAIR: The 3rd annual Handmade for Kids Holiday Fair takes place today at Berkshire Trail Elementary School! The fair will feature a wide variety of locally handmade items for kids – including clothes, toys, and many other treasures and necessities, especially items that promote creative non-commercial free play! Get a jump-start on holiday shopping and support local artists, artisans, crafters, and creators of all sorts. Workshops offered too. Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families. Fundraiser for the Cummington Family Center. Route 9. Cummington, MA. (SALE)

Saturday & Sunday, November 3rd & 4th from 8am-7pm in Franklin County. – CIDER DAYS: Franklin County celebrates its plentiful apple harvest and the delicious batches of cider that follow at the 18th annual Cider Days! The event includes fun events and activities county-wide – including an apple pancake breakfast, wagon rides and orchard explorations, cider pressing, lots of tastings (of ciders for big kids and little kids), and chances to learn about apple varieties, heirloom apples, organic orchards, and more! It’s a chance for families to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the apple industry – and to drink endless cider! Franklin County, MA.

Saturday, November 3rd 10am-5pm – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: Help build doghouses for Kane’s Krusade, an organization that helps dogs in need in the Springfield area. The organization is putting together CARE Kits (Canine Assistance Resources and Education) for families who struggle financially to care for their dogs – providing assistance in the form of insulated dog houses, leashes, collars, treats, etc. helps to keep dogs with their loving families, rather than in shelters. Families can volunteer for the entire day, or sign up for either a 10am-12noon or a 1-5pm shift. Lunch is served for volunteers between 12noon and 1pm! Best for older kids, the event is an opportunity to practice (or learn) simple carpentry skills! Takes place at ServPro. 413-363-2102. 264 Moody Street. Ludlow, MA. (FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, November 10th from 9:30am-5pm – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: Bring the family and head to Springside Park, Pittsfield’s largest public park, and work together with your community to clean up the park before the snow falls. Bring gloves and park at the upper playground (near the old zoo). Rain date: 11/11. 874 North Street. Pittsfield, MA (VOLUNTEER)

Saturday, November 10th 1pm – CULTURAL STUDIES: The Berkshire Museum hosts the Chief Konkapot Festival of Native American Culture and History this weekend, an event that features unique and exciting performances from Native American singers, musicians, songwriters, and more! This afternoon’s performance features Jerry Thundercloud Macdonald, performing Mohawk stories, songs, and dance. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

BULLETIN BOARD

Nov 3

The Cushman Scott Children’s Center is holding their annual Mini-Mall Craft Fair on Saturday, November 3rd from 10am-2pm at 71 Henry Street, North Amherst. There will be craft vendors, a petting farm, pony rides, face painting, a bake sale and raffle. Handmade items by the Cushman Kids will be for sale too! For more information call 413-549-1167 or visit online at www.cushmanscott.org. Cushman Scott Children’s Center is an independent, non-profit educational center serving children ages 15 months to 6 years old and their families. The center is raising funds for their new playground. Come check it out and support the school. Cushman is community!

The Valley Advocate has spoken and moms throughout the Valley have placed their votes, and trust in Cooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center…again! The Women’s Health and Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital was voted the #1 Birthing Center in the Advocate reader’s poll for 2012. Cooley Dickinson delivers tons of choices from OB/GYNs to certified nurse midwives, to water births and more! Show your support for the Valley’s Best Birthing Center, simply “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook and receive a free pair of socks for your baby! Facebook.com/cooleydickinson. For information about the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital visit www.cooley-dickinson.org. And remember, “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook for FREE baby socks!

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

TEEN VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITY: Moments House is looking for teens interested in being on their Jr. Board of Directors. If you know a teen who would be interested in becoming involved in any way with their mission to ensure no one faces a cancer diagnosis alone, call 413-443-6800. Moments House is a non-profit organization based out of South Lee, working to open a homelike gathering place where all Berkshire County families impacted by a cancer diagnosis can come together to gather information, and comfort and support one another. www.momentshouse.org

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Saturday & Sunday, October 27th & 28th in Franklin County from 12noon-9:30pm – HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL: The Skeleton Crew Theater is hosting a Halloween Harvest Festival today! The event is a benefit for Blue Star Equiculture, the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Camp Kee Wanee, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Highlights of the festival include performances by the theater company themselves, along with hay rides, a scarecrow village, kids games and activities, food, arts and crafts vendors, and live music all day long! Takes place at Camp Kee Wanee. 413-475-0913. 1 Health Camp Road. Greenfield, MA. ($$)

Saturday, October 27th in Hampden County from 10am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES/HALLOWEEN: The Springfield Museums are celebrating the season today with special presentations and activities! The Halloween Spooktacular will feature a special Halloween laser show (set to songs like, “The Monster Mash,” and, “Purple People Eater”), a meet-and-greet with night critters presented by Teaching Creatures, as well as art and science activities throughout the day. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families.

Sunday, October 28th in Hampshire County at 11am – HALLOWEEN FIESTA: Halloween Costume Party with Mister G! Popular, international children’s music artist & local hero Mister G will be hosting a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume party at the Academy of Music Theatre. The event will double as a CD release concert for his Parents’ Choice Gold Award-winning album, Chocolalala. The bilingual (Spanish/English) CD blends Latin rhythms, traditional instruments and uniquely catchy songwriting. Mister G will also perform songs from his 2011 Grammy-nominated CD BUGS, called “irresistible” by People Magazine. Eat Pizza for Breakfast, wear your funkiest, scariest costume & come ready rock. Northampton, MA ($$)

Sunday, October 28th in Berkshire County at 2pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Berkshire Theatre Group presents the much-anticipated new production from Mermaid Theatre, A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar at the Colonial Theatre. This new production brings together three of Eric Carle’s most beloved tales. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is joined by a whimsical cast of adventurous animals drawn from the pages of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and a young girl on an unusual quest from the poignant story, Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me. Evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry entertain and educate. 413-298-5536. Colonial Theatre Pittsfield, MA ($$$)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Enter for a chance to win a Handmade Doll House and Accessories at the 3rd AnnualHandmade for Kids Holiday Fair happening on Saturday, Nov. 3rd from 10am-3pm at the Berkshire Trail Elementary School in Cummington, MA. – Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families.

Saturday, November 3rd at 10am in Berkshire County. – CULTURAL STUDIES: Native American artist Teri Greeves will be at the Berkshire Museum to lead a hands-on beaded medallion workshop for kids to accompany the museum’s Rethink! Native American Art exhibition. Kids will learn basic beadworking skills, and will also learn about the role of beadwork in traditional Native American art. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

Saturday & Sunday, November 3rd & 4th from 8am-7pm in Franklin County. – CIDER DAYS: Franklin County celebrates its plentiful apple harvest and the delicious batches of cider that follow at the 18th annual Cider Days! The event includes fun events and activities county-wide – including an apple pancake breakfast, wagon rides and orchard explorations, cider pressing, lots of tastings (of ciders for big kids and little kids), and chances to learn about apple varieties, heirloom apples, organic orchards, and more! It’s a chance for families to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the apple industry – and to drink endless cider! Franklin County, MA.

BULLETIN BOARD

Oct 27

The Montessori School of Northampton’s annual Children’s Fall Fair and Open House will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 11am-3pm on the school’s campus at 51 Bates Street, Northampton. The full day of fun for families will include children’s games, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and more. Entertainment will be provided by percussionist Tony Vacca, and singer-songwriters Chris Scanlon and Burchie Green & Tom Knight. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. General admission is free; participation in some activities requires purchase of activity tickets at a minimal charge. Admissions information and tours of the school will also be available. 413-586-4538 or www.northamptonmontessori.org.

Oct 28

Family Felting for all ages on Sunday, Oct 28 from 1-3pm at Crimson & Clover Farm (part of Northampton Community Farm) in Florence, MA. Come explore the world of fiber craft and learn about the animals that provide us with fiber. There will be an Angora rabbit and Shetland sheep for participants to meet, and learning stations for wet and needle felting. Create and take home a woolcraft. All levels welcome. $20-25/family (sliding scale). Spaces are limited! Financial Aid is available for all programs. Email farmeducationcollaborative@gmail.com for scholarship application. For more info & to register online, visit www.thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.

Oct 31

Chandler’s Restaurant in South Deerfield is hosting their annual Witches Ball on Halloween Night, Wednesday, Oct. 31st! Come dressed in your Halloween costumes and enjoy a buffet including oozing zombie zits, lumberjack fingers, shredded mummy guts, vampire eyeballs and more. The fun doesn’t end with the food- Cloud 9 Productions will be at the Witches Ball for kid’s karaoke, there will be pumpkin decorating, and Teaching Creatures will be bringing some creepy crawly creatures to learn about, some of them you can even touch! Seatings for this event, are at 4pm and 5:30pm. Be sure to make your reservations soon by calling 413-665-1277. For more information visit chandlers.yankeecandle.com.

Nov 3

The Cushman Scott Children’s Center is holding their annual Mini-Mall Craft Fair on Saturday, November 3rd from 10am-2pm at 71 Henry Street, North Amherst. There will be craft vendors, a petting farm, pony rides, face painting, a bake sale and raffle. Handmade items by the Cushman Kids will be for sale too! For more information call 413-549-1167 or visit online at www.cushmanscott.org. Cushman Scott Children’s Center is an independent, non-profit educational center serving children ages 15 months to 6 years old and their families. The center is raising funds for their new playground. Come check it out and support the school. Cushman is community!

The Valley Advocate has spoken and moms throughout the Valley have placed their votes, and trust in Cooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center…again! The Women’s Health and Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital was voted the #1 Birthing Center in the Advocate reader’s poll for 2012. Cooley Dickinson delivers tons of choices from OB/GYNs to certified nurse midwives, to water births and more! Show your support for the Valley’s Best Birthing Center, simply “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook and receive a free pair of socks for your baby! Facebook.com/cooleydickinson. For information about the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital visit www.cooley-dickinson.org. And remember, “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook for FREE baby socks!

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Does your family carve pumpkins for Halloween? Carve an extra and bring it to the Franklin County Pumpkinfest in Turners Falls or the Stockbridge Library to be showcased in the Pumpkin Walk-About his weekend! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Hilltown Families Co-Sponsors

Saturday, October 20th from 12noon-7pm – FALL FESTIVAL: The Franklin Land Trust invites the community to a Fall Festival at Guyette Farm! Highlights of the event include a scarecrow making workshop with artist Michael Melle (takes place from 12noon-4pm), hayrides, an evening bonfire, and lots of fun fall-themed activities for the whole family. BYO instrument for a jam around the fire! Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families. 413-625-9151. Gloyd Street. Plainfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, October 20th from 5:30-8pm – HAUNTED FARM: The animals at Red Gate Farm are getting excited for Halloween – so excited, in fact, that they’ve decorated their barn! Visit the farm for a Halloween party and check out the Haunted Barn (not-so-scary), go for a hay ride, and enjoy Halloween treats and games. 413-625-9503. 4 Norman Road. Buckland, MA. ($)

Saturday, October 20th from 3-9pm – PUMPKINFEST: Pumpkins galore! The annual Franklin County Pumpkinfest fills Turners Falls’ Avenue A with more pumpkins than you’ve ever seen before! Costumes are encouraged, and families can bring their own painted or carved pumpkins to add to the display beginning at 10am. Along with the pumpkin display will be lots of fun family activities, beer for big people, and games and crafts for little people. Pair a visit to the event with a study of local agriculture – where do the pumpkins come from? How do they grow? When were they planted? It’s a great way to learn about the full season of farming that it takes to produce a pumpkin. Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

Deadline to enter: 10/23

Saturday, October 20th from 6:30-8:30pm – DRUM FEST: The third annual Berkshire Drum Fest takes place tonight at Berkshire Community College! The event features professional drummers, percussionists, and drum ensembles performing drumming of all different types. Kids can hear and learn about drumming from multiple world cultures, and learn about different types of drums and their unique sounds. The event benefits BCC’s music program and Tamarack Hollow, an educational organization focusing on environmental and cultural awareness. Takes place in the Boland Theater at the school’s arts center. West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, October 27th at 7pm – CULINARY ARTS: The 9th Annual Williamstown Pie Contest will be held at the WRLF Sheep Hill Headquarters. This is intergenerational event allows adults, youth (16yo and younger) and professional bakers to participate together in their own categories. This is a great opportunity for kids, parents and grandparents to work side by side in the kitchen, making a traditional family favorite pie, sharing family stories and learning culinary skills at the same time. Sweet and savory pies made with local ingredients are welcomed. Pie tasting is at 7pm, followed by a full moon hike (weather permitting). Pies must be delivered to Sheep Hill on Oct 27 between 5-6pm. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.wrlf.org or requested by emailing lre@wrlf.org. 671 Cold Spring Road. Williamstown, MA (>$)

Deadline to enter: 10/25

Sunday, October 28th at 11am – HALLOWEEN FIESTA: Halloween Costume Party with Mister G! Popular, international children’s music artist & local hero Mister G will be hosting a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume party at the Academy of Music Theatre. The event will double as a CD release concert for his Parents’ Choice Gold Award-winning album, Chocolalala. The bilingual (Spanish/English) CD blends Latin rhythms, traditional instruments and uniquely catchy songwriting. Mister G will also perform songs from his 2011 Grammy-nominated CD BUGS, called “irresistible” by People Magazine. Eat Pizza for Breakfast, wear your funkiest, scariest costume & come ready rock. Northampton, MA ($$)

BULLETIN BOARD

Oct 18-20 & 25-27

Where is Myra and who shot Charley? Find out at The Williston Northampton School’s fall theater production of Neil Simon’s classic farce, Rumors. Opening night is Thursday, October 18th running October 18th-20th & 25th-27th. All performances begin at 7:30pm, with the Saturday, October 26th performance beginning at 8pm. The Williston Theatre is located at 18 Payson Avenue in Easthampton. Seats can be reserved in advance at www.williston.com/theaterproductions or by calling the Williston box office at 413-529-3434. Tickets are $7 students/seniors and $10 adults.

Oct 19-20

Westfield Theatre Group presents The Odd Couple – Female Version on Oct. 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 8pm, & Oct. 20 at 2pm in Westfield for a fun parents’ night out. Recently divorced Olive Madison and friends play a friendly game of Trivial Pursuit. Then arrives Florence Unger, whose husband just left her. Thinking she is on the verge of suicide, she is barely able to go to the bathroom alone. Olive the slob and Florence the neat freak decide to live together with hilarious results. Directed by Theresa Allie. Produced by Linda Buzzee. Come see Linda Slozak, Nancy Colby, Winnie Legere, Kathy Leary, Kate Hebert, Larry Chiz, Paul Rothenberg & Sue Davis in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary classic. Tix: $10-$12. 413-572-6838. westfieldtheatregroup.com.

Oct 20

Paint & Pixel Festival showcases Western New England’s amazing comic artists, book illustrators, and cartoonists! This year features 60+ artists, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle co-creator Peter Laird, Vertigo Comics Fables artist ShawnMcManus, DC Comics Batman inker JackPurcell, Conan the Barbarian and Goosebumps artist GregRuth, and underground cartoonist GaryHallgren. Saturday, October 20, at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 10AM to 6PM. Paint & Pixel offers a free Children’s Comics Workshop every Thursday in October, 4-5PM at Modern Myths, and is looking for a few schools who would like a comic book artist to visit their students. For details on the festival, comics workshop, and school outreach, visit www.paintandpixelfestival.com.

Oct 26

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Eric Carle Museum, the Academy of Music in Northampton is presenting Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s much anticipated new production of Eric Carle stories on October 26, 2012 at 6:30pm. Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects, innovative puppetry, the triple bill shares Eric Carle’s most beloved stories: A Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me. Immediately following the performance will be a question & answer period focused on how special effects were accomplished. Running time is sixty minutes. For ticket information please visit the AOM website, www.academyofmusictheatre.com, or phone the Box Office at 413-584-9032 x105.

Oct 27

The Montessori School of Northampton’s annual Children’s Fall Fair and Open House will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 11am-3pm on the school’s campus at 51 Bates Street, Northampton. The full day of fun for families will include children’s games, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and more. Entertainment will be provided by percussionist Tony Vacca, and singer-songwriters Chris Scanlon and Burchie Green & Tom Knight. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. General admission is free; participation in some activities requires purchase of activity tickets at a minimal charge. Admissions information and tours of the school will also be available. 413-586-4538 or www.northamptonmontessori.org.

Oct 28

Family Felting for all ages on Sunday, Oct 28 from 1-3pm at Crimson & Clover Farm (part of Northampton Community Farm) in Florence, MA. Come explore the world of fiber craft and learn about the animals that provide us with fiber. There will be an Angora rabbit and Shetland sheep for participants to meet, and learning stations for wet and needle felting. Create and take home a woolcraft. All levels welcome. $20-25/family (sliding scale). Spaces are limited! Financial Aid is available for all programs. Email farmeducationcollaborative@gmail.com for scholarship application. For more info & to register online, visit www.thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.

Oct 31

Chandler’s Restaurant in South Deerfield is hosting their annual Witches Ball on Halloween Night, Wednesday, Oct. 31st! Come dressed in your Halloween costumes and enjoy a buffet including oozing zombie zits, lumberjack fingers, shredded mummy guts, vampire eyeballs and more. The fun doesn’t end with the food- Cloud 9 Productions will be at the Witches Ball for kid’s karaoke, there will be pumpkin decorating, and Teaching Creatures will be bringing some creepy crawly creatures to learn about, some of them you can even touch! Seatings for this event, are at 4pm and 5:30pm. Be sure to make your reservations soon by calling 413-665-1277. For more information visit chandlers.yankeecandle.com.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your fall festival, holiday event, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

COATS FOR KIDS: Did you recently drag out your family’s winter gear, only to discover that your kids have outgrown most of it? Once your kids have been outfitted with new warm coats, donate your old ones to the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids drive! Sponsored by Berkshire Bank, the drive collects new and gently-used kid-sized winter jackets in order to distribute them to local kids who might otherwise find themselves without proper outerwear for the cold, windy New England winter. Each jacket is cleaned before it is distributed, but families are asked to please only donate items that are without many obvious signs of wear and tear. There are donation sites all over western Massachusetts, including at any Berkshire Bank branch. Coats can be donated through October 26th. For more information, visit www.salvationarmycoatsforkids.com

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

The stalls at the farmers’ markets are filled with pumpkins, winter squash, brussel sprouts, apples and other harvest crops. A great time of the year to stock up with local produce! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield – Ashfield Farmers’ Market)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR & TICKET GIVEAWAY

Hilltown Families Co-Sponsors

Saturday, October 20th from 12noon-7pm – FALL FESTIVAL: The Franklin Land Trust invites the community to a Fall Festival at Guyette Farm! Highlights of the event include a scarecrow making workshop with artist Michael Melle (takes place from 12noon-4pm), hayrides, an evening bonfire, and lots of fun fall-themed activities for the whole family. BYO instrument for a jam around the fire! Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families. 413-625-9151. Gloyd Street. Plainfield, MA. (FREE)

Deadline to enter: 10/17

Saturday, October 20th from 3-9pm – PUMPKINFEST: Pumpkins galore! The annual Franklin County Pumpkinfest fills Turners Falls’ Avenue A with more pumpkins than you’ve ever seen before! Costumes are encouraged, and families can bring their own painted or carved pumpkins to add to the display beginning at 10am. Along with the pumpkin display will be lots of fun family activities, beer for big people, and games and crafts for little people. Pair a visit to the event with a study of local agriculture – where do the pumpkins come from? How do they grow? When were they planted? It’s a great way to learn about the full season of farming that it takes to produce a pumpkin. Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

Deadline to enter: 10/23

Saturday, October 20th from 5-8:30pm – ENCHANTED FOREST: The forest at the Hitchcock Center is lighting up and coming alive with creatures who would love to share their stories with you! Visit the Enchanted Forest to navigate along the pumpkin-lit paths and learn about various animals and their unique characteristics as you journey! The theme this year is “50-Something” (in celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary) – forest animals include a salamander with 50+ spots and a 50-year-old turtle. Advance tickets not required, but are strongly suggested. 413-256-6006. 525 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. ($)

Deadline to enter: 10/25

Saturday, October 20th at 11am – HALLOWEEN GALLERY QUEST: Dress in costume and visit Mass MoCA for a Halloween gallery tour and some hands-on artmaking! Kids will learn about the work being shown in the museum’s KidSpace, and then will get to try out interesting materials for themselves. 413-662-2111. 87 Marshall Street. North Adams, MA. ($)

BULLETIN BOARD

Oct 12-13, 19-20

Westfield Theatre Group presents The Odd Couple – Female Version on Oct. 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 8pm, & Oct. 20 at 2pm in Westfield for a fun parents’ night out. Recently divorced Olive Madison and friends play a friendly game of Trivial Pursuit. Then arrives Florence Unger, whose husband just left her. Thinking she is on the verge of suicide, she is barely able to go to the bathroom alone. Olive the slob and Florence the neat freak decide to live together with hilarious results. Directed by Theresa Allie. Produced by Linda Buzzee. Come see Linda Slozak, Nancy Colby, Winnie Legere, Kathy Leary, Kate Hebert, Larry Chiz, Paul Rothenberg & Sue Davis in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary classic. Tix: $10-$12. 413-572-6838. westfieldtheatregroup.com.

Oct 13-14

The 10th Annual All- 4- Kids Fall/Winter Consignment Sale happens on Saturday, October 13th from 8am-4pm and Sunday, October 14th from 10am to 3pm (1/2 price sale). New extended shopping hours! This year the sale is in a NEW LOCATION at the former Fedor Auto Dealership at 228 Northampton Street in Easthampton, MA. Stop in and find new and gently-used clothing for infants through children’s size 20, baby gear, shoes and boots, Halloween costumes, snowsuits, toys, books, DVD’s, games, children’s furniture, and sports equipment. More info at www.sites.google.com/site/all4kidseasthampton.

Oct 14

On Sunday, Oct 14 from 11:30am-4:30pm is the Grow Food Northampton FARM FEST 2012 at Crimson & Clover Farm (part of Northampton Community Farm)! Join The Farm Education Collaborative in celebrating the harvest at Farm Fest! Meet and learn about some of their farm animals and spend some time working with fibers, seeds, and more. Fun on the Farm in the Fall with Family! Meadow and Spring Streets in Florence, MA. For more info visit www.thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.

Oct 18, 20 & 25

Stitch Lounge in Greenfield offers both youth & adult classes this fall, including: Alabama Chanin Skirt class using upcycled tee’s, stenciling & hand-stitching, Oct 18 & 25; and a beginners 3-part Wonky Squares Quilt class starting Oct 20. Never sewn before or have rusty skills? Check out their Beginner Sewing Class. Kids Classes begin in Nov.! Visit stitchlounge.net for more classes. Stop-in to find inspiration, modern fabrics, sewing notions & lots more, including social sewing! A devoted sewing space with all the supplies you need. Bring your own machine or use one of theirs. Stitch Lounge is located at 30 Mohawk Trail. Open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, & Sat 10am-3pm. stitchlounge@comcast.net. 413-475-3246.

Oct 20

Paint & Pixel Festival showcases Western New England’s amazing comic artists, book illustrators, and cartoonists! This year features 60+ artists, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle co-creator Peter Laird, Vertigo Comics Fables artist ShawnMcManus, DC Comics Batman inker JackPurcell, Conan the Barbarian and Goosebumps artist GregRuth, and underground cartoonist GaryHallgren. Saturday, October 20, at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 10AM to 6PM. Paint & Pixel offers a free Children’s Comics Workshop every Thursday in October, 4-5PM at Modern Myths, and is looking for a few schools who would like a comic book artist to visit their students. For details on the festival, comics workshop, and school outreach, visit www.paintandpixelfestival.com.

Oct 26

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Eric Carle Museum, the Academy of Music in Northampton is presenting Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s much anticipated new production of Eric Carle stories on October 26, 2012 at 6:30pm. Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects, innovative puppetry, the triple bill shares Eric Carle’s most beloved stories: A Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me. Immediately following the performance will be a question & answer period focused on how special effects were accomplished. Running time is sixty minutes. For ticket information please visit the AOM website, www.academyofmusictheatre.com, or phone the Box Office at 413-584-9032 x105.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your fall festival, holiday event, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

Deadline to enter: 10/15

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Kane’s Krusade is seeking volunteers to assist with a doghouse-building event on Sat, Nov. 3 from 10am-5pm to help launch the distribution of Kane’s Canine Assistance Resources and Education kits for Springfield families who struggle financially to care for their dogs. Doghouses built by volunteers will be donated to provide insulated shelter for dogs whose owners cannot afford one. Kane’s staff will pair volunteers at assembly stations that meets their experience & interest level. No carpentry experience is required and tools provided. Volunteers can choose to build for the whole day or can work 2-3 hour shifts. Children welcomed if supervised by an adult. For more information, contact George at 413-363-2101 or visit www.kaneskrusade.org

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

The Ashfield town green comes alive with games, music, local food and local artisans every Columbus Day weekend. This year is the 42nd annual Ashfield Fall Festival! A great time for the entire family! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

HALLOWEEN COSTUME SWAP: You know that handmade costume you spent hours on a couple of years ago that your child has now outgrown, or the mask and cape you picked up at the dollar store that is “so last year” for your child this year? Bring it to the Hilltown Families Halloween Costume (& Props) Swap on Saturday, Oct 13th from 9:30-11am in the community room of the Meekins Library and swap with another child who would love to be that robot, purple monster or masked superhero this year… all while finding new inspirations for this year! Leftover costumes and props will be donated to Northampton ReUse. The Library is located at 2 Williams Street (Route 9) in Williamsburg, MA. Free & open to all. Join us on Facebook.

KIDS’ WINTER WEAR SWAP: Do you have a bunch of winter weather gear that your kids have outgrown and wish that it would somehow just… get bigger? That may never happen, but you can get the next best thing… new-to-you gear that fits! Hilltown Families Kids’ Winter Wear Swap is happening again this year after a fun and successful swap last year on Saturday, Oct 13th from 9:30-11am in the community room of the Meekins Library! Bring winter jackets, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves & scarves that kids of all ages have outgrown to swap with other families. Leftover winter wear will be donated to charity. The Library is located at 2 Williams Street (Route 9) in Williamsburg, MA. Free & open to all. Join us on Facebook.

BULLETIN BOARD

Oct 2, Oct 27 & Nov 7

Nestled among field and forest, The Montessori School of the Berkshires in Lenox Dale provides hands-on, individualized education for toddlers through eighth graders. Montessori education helps children become responsible, caring learners and community members who are self-motivated, confident, independent, and creative. MSB’s LEED-registered campus allows children to learn about sustainability both within the classroom and out of doors. Children have access to the natural world through garden areas and trails. Dr. Maria Montessori considered this connection to the earth and living things to be an essential part of education. Join the school for an Open House! Oct 2, Oct 27, Nov 7. For more info and to register visit BerkshireMontessori.org.

Oct 14

On Sunday, Oct 14 from 11:30am-4:30pm is the Grow Food Northampton FARM FEST 2012 at Crimson & Clover Farm (part of Northampton Community Farm)! Join The Farm Education Collaborative in celebrating the harvest at Farm Fest! Meet and learn about some of their farm animals and spend some time working with fibers, seeds, and more. Fun on the Farm in the Fall with Family! Meadow and Spring Streets in Florence, MA. For more info visit www.thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.

Oct 18, 20 & 25

Stitch Lounge in Greenfield offers both youth & adult classes this fall, including: Alabama Chanin Skirt class using upcycled tee’s, stenciling & hand-stitching, Oct 18 & 25; and a beginners 3-part Wonky Squares Quilt class starting Oct 20. Never sewn before or have rusty skills? Check out their Beginner Sewing Class. Kids Classes begin in Nov.! Visit stitchlounge.net for more classes. Stop-in to find inspiration, modern fabrics, sewing notions & lots more, including social sewing! A devoted sewing space with all the supplies you need. Bring your own machine or use one of theirs. Stitch Lounge is located at 30 Mohawk Trail. Open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, & Sat 10am-3pm. stitchlounge@comcast.net. 413-475-3246.

Oct 28

Halloween Costume Party with Mister G! Popular, international children’s music artist & local hero Mister G will be hosting a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume party at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton on Sun., Oct 28 at 11am. The event will double as a CD release concert for his Parents’ Choice Gold Award-winning album, Chocolalala. The bilingual (Spanish/English) CD blends Latin rhythms, traditional instruments and uniquely catchy songwriting. Mister G will also perform songs from his 2011 Grammy-nominated CD BUGS, called “irresistible” by People Magazine. Eat Pizza for Breakfast, wear your funkiest, scariest costume & come ready rock. !Bailamos! Tix: $8 children/$10 Adults. info@mistergsongs.com. www.mistergsongs.com.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your fall festival, holiday event, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

For October we have a pair of tickets to giveaway to see Leo Kottke at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA on Thurs, Oct 18th at 7pm. Deadline to enter to win: 10/15 @ 7pm (EST).

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Caramel apples are sure to be found at the many fall festivals happening this weekend and over the next few weeks! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Next Saturday, Oct. 6th at 11am and 1pm – CULTURAL/ART STUDIES: The Berkshire Museum hosts guest artist Jeremy Frey, who will be demonstrating traditional Passamaquoddy basket-weaving techniques. The demonstrations are in conjunction with the museum’s Rethink! American Indian Art exhibit. Tickets required. 413-443-7171. 30 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

Next Sunday, Oct. 7th from 2-5pm – FALL FESTIVAL/HISTORY: Explore local history and celebrate fall at the Wilder Homestead’s Colonial Sampler! There will be open hearth cooking, Morris dancers, cider making, and traditional arts like weaving, spinning, and shoemaking. 413-625-9763. Buckland, MA. (<$)

BULLETIN BOARD

Sept 25 – Oct 16

Enjoy gardening with your child or want to start? Join the Sweet Roots Kids CSA this fall for kids (2-5yo) and their grown ups! This 4-week program runs Tuesday mornings, Sept 25-Oct 16, from 10-11:30am in Deerfield. Sweet Roots Gardens is a garden-based education program providing on site programs as well as off-site garden installation & education services for children & families. The Tuesday Kids CSA program celebrates the fall harvest. Participants can pick beans under the bean tunnel, paint pumpkins, snack on fresh veggies & get silly in the garden. Includes a weekly veggie snack share. Cost: $75 for 4-weeks or $20 per session. More info at www.facebook.com/SweetRootsGardens. To register contact Sara: saracoblyn@gmail.com. 413-230-4833

Sept 29-30

The Sharing Tree Consignment Sale: Offering high-quality, gently used items for babies and kids, including clothes, shoes, toys, books, baby equipment, and maternity wear. Thousands of items expected. Public sale: Saturday, September 29, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Half-Price Sale: Sunday, September 30, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, 28 West Silver St., Westfield (behind Amelia Park Ice Arena). Now registering sellers and volunteers: sellers earn a percentage on the items they sell and shop early – before the sale opens to the public. Volunteers shop first – even before sellers! Find out more at www.sharingtreekids.com. For questions, email Karen at info@sharingtreekids.comor call 413-324-8733.

Free introductory sign language class for parents and children 0-3 yrs on Thursday, Oct 4th at 11am at Cradle in downtown Northampton. An 8-week class to follow on Thursdays at 11am beginning Oct 11th, also at Cradle. Cost: $100. Instructor: Kathryn Petruccelli. Classes include music, movement, & stories. Follows the Baby Signing Time series with additional activities apart from the Signing Time curriculum. Teaches real American Sign Language. Reduces frustration and tantrums; enhances cognitive development. A space to play and learn around this amazing communicative tool and watch our children speak to us with their hands – even before we get to hear their voices! Expectant parents, older siblings welcome. More info: www.startwithsign.com.

Oct 2, Oct 27 & Nov 7

Nestled among field and forest, The Montessori School of the Berkshires in Lenox Dale provides hands-on, individualized education for toddlers through eighth graders. Montessori education helps children become responsible, caring learners and community members who are self-motivated, confident, independent, and creative. MSB’s LEED-registered campus allows children to learn about sustainability both within the classroom and out of doors. Children have access to the natural world through garden areas and trails. Dr. Maria Montessori considered this connection to the earth and living things to be an essential part of education. Join the school for an Open House! Oct 2, Oct 27, Nov 7. For more info and to register visit BerkshireMontessori.org.

Oct 20 & 27

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst is offering a two-Saturday youth workshop in Oct in conjunction with their newest exhibit. “In The Art Studio: Inspired by Eric Carle” takes place on Oct 20 & 27 from 9:30-11:30am for youth ages 5-8. In this workshop children will study the new exhibition Beyond Books: The Independent Art of Eric Carle to take inspiration from his non-representational, 3D & collaborative art. Participants will paint colorful textures & patterns on a variety of surfaces such as paper, vinyl, & cardboard then sculpt them into window hangings, mobiles, name plates, & more. Advance registration required by Oct 15. Instructor: Meghan Burch. Cost: $50 (Members $40). Registration info at www.carlemuseum.org.

Oct 28

Halloween Costume Party with Mister G! Popular, international children’s music artist & local hero Mister G will be hosting a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume party at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton on Sun., Oct 28 at 11am. The event will double as a CD release concert for his Parents’ Choice Gold Award-winning album, Chocolalala. The bilingual (Spanish/English) CD blends Latin rhythms, traditional instruments and uniquely catchy songwriting. Mister G will also perform songs from his 2011 Grammy-nominated CD BUGS, called “irresistible” by People Magazine. Eat Pizza for Breakfast, wear your funkiest, scariest costume & come ready rock. !Bailamos! Tix: $8 children/$10 Adults. info@mistergsongs.com. www.mistergsongs.com.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL FUNDRAISER: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your fundraiser, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, or businessfeatured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Ashfield Community Preschool is looking for some volunteer help with their booths during the Ashfield Fall Festival Columbus Day Weekend – October 6 and 7. This small non-profit preschool relies on the Fall Festival as the biggest fundraiser of the year. Volunteer jobs are appropriate for teens and up. If you would like to help with simple face painting, running a mini-golf game (also very simple), or dipping apples in caramel while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Ashfield in early October please contact Jess Kuttner at jkuttner@gmail.com or 413-522-9732.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME SWAP: You know that handmade costume you spent hours on a couple of years ago that your child has now outgrown, or the mask and cape you picked up at the dollar store that is “so last year” for your child this year? Bring it to the Hilltown Families Halloween Costume (& Props) Swap on Saturday, Oct 13th from 9:30-11am in the community room of the Meekins Library and swap with another child who would love to be that robot, purple monster or masked superhero this year… all while finding new inspirations for this year! Leftover costumes and props will be donated to Northampton ReUse. The Library is located at 2 Williams Street (Route 9) in Williamsburg, MA. Free & open to all. Join us on Facebook.

KIDS’ WINTER WEAR SWAP: Do you have a bunch of winter weather gear that your kids have outgrown and wish that it would somehow just… get bigger? That may never happen, but you can get the next best thing… new-to-you gear that fits! Hilltown Families Kids’ Winter Wear Swap is happening again this year after a fun and successful swap last year on Saturday, Oct 13th from 9:30-11am in the community room of the Meekins Library! Bring winter jackets, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves & scarves that kids of all ages have outgrown to swap with other families. Leftover winter wear will be donated to charity. The Library is located at 2 Williams Street (Route 9) in Williamsburg, MA. Free & open to all. Join us on Facebook.

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Find out what’s going on in Berkshire County in our bi-monthly column, Berkshire Family Fun.

Fri. Sept 21st-Sun., Sept 23rd – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The annual Belchertown Fair takes place this weekend, featuring tons of opportunities for fun and learning! There are, of course, midway games and rides, along with the chance to meet and learn about a wide variety of farm animals, exhibition halls filled with foods and crafts, and lots of live agricultural events. 413-323-6654. 28 Park Street. Belchertown, MA. (<$)

Sat., Sept 22nd at 11am – FAMILY CONCERT: The Eric Carle Museum hosts Hey Dango – a kids’ music group (made up of three intrepid space explorers, plus Dango) who sing about language, science, math, individuality, healthy habits, and more! The event is part of the Northampton Community Music Center Concert Series. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. ($)

This month the Emmy Award winning TV series has been re-launcehd to DVD, The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series, bringing together all 52 episodes of the program on 8 DVDs… and Hilltown Families has a set of the complete series to giveaway to one very lucky family! Deadline to enter to win is Tuesday, October 2nd by 7pm (EST).

Sun. Sept 23rd from 11am-6pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Celebrate bread, the equinox, and all things fall with Hungry Ghost Bread! Wonder Not Bread Fest will take place at the Hungry Ghost bakery today, and will feature a puppet parade, music, vendors (selling local honey, cheese, jam, etc. – things that are good with bread!), gardening activities, and more! State Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Sun. Sept 23rd from 1-4pm – FALL FESTIVAL: Hopkins Forest celebrates fall this weekend at the annual Fall Festival! There will be apple butter, fresh apple cider (and a chance to see pressed cider production), live music, woodworking demonstrations, a tree canopy walkway, and fun hands-on activities for kids! Families can learn about the apple harvest and cider production, and woodworking demonstrations will be centered around the skills necessary to build a barn. 413-597-4353. Northwest Hill Road and Bulkley Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Continuing our Parents’ Night Out promotions, Hilltown Families and Signature Sounds Concerts have partnered up to offer two pairs of tickets for two lucky couples to see Ramblin’ Jack Elliot in concert at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls on Sunday, October 7th at 7pm with special guests, Jeffrey Foucault. Win a pair of tickets and take your spouse, partner or good friend for a night out. Deadline to enter to win: 10/3/12 at 7pm (EST).

Sat., Sept 29th from 10am-6pm – FALL FESTIVAL: The town of Sunderland is hosting the 14th annual Fall Festival! The event features local artists and crafters, livestock exhibits, live music throughout the day, games and activities for kids, an amateur dog show, local food (and beer from BBC for grown ups!), and more. Takes place on the town ball fields behind the library. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)

Sun., Sept 30th from 10am-4pm – FALL FESTIVAL: The 51st annual Festival of the Hills is next Sunday! The event, an annual celebration, features a plethora of fun activities and educational opportunities. The day begins with a road race, and will also feature a parade (at 1pm), live music, pony rides, an art show featuring work by local artists and artisans, a skillet toss, and many demonstrations and exhibits from which families can learn about many different fall- and country-themed skills, activities, and more. South Deerfield Road. Conway, MA. (FREE)

Sun., Sept 30th from 12noon-3pm – FALL FESTIVAL: Apple Spree takes place at Look Park next Sunday! The event is a fundraiser for the Northampton Survival Center – for each peck of apples purchased by a family, a peck will be donated to the center. There will be live music from Appalachian Still, an apple car race for kids to enter, an apple cooking contest, and, of course, lots of delicious apples to enjoy! 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (FREE, fee for parking)

BULLETIN BOARD

Sept 23

North Amherst Community Farm & Simple Gifts Farm will celebrate the 7th annual North Amherst Harvest Festival on Sun., Sept 23rd from 12noon-5pm in North Amherst (1089 N. Pleasant St.). The festival will feature locally grown and prepared foods & a non-stop line up of entertainers, including, New Growth String Band, Rusty Belle, Jay Mankita & several others. Families can enjoy hula-hooping, kids crafts & activities, pumpkin bowling, cider pressing & even a chance to make smoothies using a kid-sized blender bike. Horse drawn wagon rides around the farm will tour crops & livestock for families to learn about the farm’s integrated, bio-diverse land management system. This is a free rain or shine event. (>$ parking) nacfonline.org

Sept 23 & Oct 7

Is your child already a chicken lover or maybe your family is thinking about getting a few hens for the backyard? On Sunday, Sept 23 from 1-2:30pm, Crimson & Clover Farm (part of Northampton Community Farm) in Florence will host, “Who You Callin’ Chicken?,” a program for kids ages 6-12yo. Come meet a few egg laying ladies and learn the ins and outs of caring for hens. Participants can hold and feed chickens, share a story, ask questions, and of course, cook and eat an egg snack! Cost: $10-15 per child (sliding scale). Then on Sunday, Oct 7th the farm will hold a Fall Beekeeping for Families program from 11am-2:30pm. Cost: $25-35/family. Spaces are limited. For more info & to register online, visit thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.

Sept 25 – Oct 16

Enjoy gardening with your child or want to start? Join the Sweet Roots Kids CSA this fall for kids (2-5yo) and their grown ups! This 4-week program runs Tuesday mornings, Sept 25-Oct 16, from 10-11:30am in Deerfield. Sweet Roots Gardens is a garden-based education program providing on site programs as well as off-site garden installation & education services for children & families. The Tuesday Kids CSA program celebrates the fall harvest. Participants can pick beans under the bean tunnel, paint pumpkins, snack on fresh veggies & get silly in the garden. Includes a weekly veggie snack share. Cost: $75 for 4-weeks or $20 per session. More info at www.facebook.com/SweetRootsGardens. To register contact Sara: saracoblyn@gmail.com. 413-230-4833

Sept 27 – Nov 1

Pilates for Moms! Two new Pilates classes just for Moms with seasoned instructor Anneliese Mordhorst on Thursdays, September 27 – November 1st. $15 single class/$75 series. Postpartum Pilates – Strength, Stretch and Support at the Cooley Dickinson Center for Midwifery Care in Northampton, Thursdays at 10am. An all-levels mat class for renewing strength and vitality after pregnancy. BYOBaby at The Pilates Studio in Hadley, Thursdays at 12pm. A mat class for all-levels using Pilates props for strength, tone and stretch. All exercises are modified to accommodate for fussiness. Contact Anneliese for more information and to register: 413-296-4306/anneliese@slashmail.org. thepilatesstudioinhadley.com

Sept 29-30

The Sharing Tree Consignment Sale: Offering high-quality, gently used items for babies and kids, including clothes, shoes, toys, books, baby equipment, and maternity wear. Thousands of items expected. Public sale: Saturday, September 29, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Half-Price Sale: Sunday, September 30, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, 28 West Silver St., Westfield (behind Amelia Park Ice Arena). Now registering sellers and volunteers: sellers earn a percentage on the items they sell and shop early – before the sale opens to the public. Volunteers shop first – even before sellers! Find out more at www.sharingtreekids.com. For questions, email Karen at info@sharingtreekids.comor call 413-324-8733.

Oct 20 & 27

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst is offering a two-Saturday youth workshop in Oct in conjunction with their newest exhibit. “In The Art Studio: Inspired by Eric Carle” takes place on Oct 20 & 27 from 9:30-11:30am for youth ages 5-8. In this workshop children will study the new exhibition Beyond Books: The Independent Art of Eric Carle to take inspiration from his non-representational, 3D & collaborative art. Participants will paint colorful textures & patterns on a variety of surfaces such as paper, vinyl, & cardboard then sculpt them into window hangings, mobiles, name plates, & more. Advance registration required by Oct 15. Instructor: Meghan Burch. Cost: $50 (Members $40). Registration info at www.carlemuseum.org.

Nov 3

CALL FOR CRAFTERS: Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of the Cummington Family Center’s 3rd annual Handmade for Kids Holiday Fair. The fair is the center’s annual fundraiser and an excellent opportunity for community members to find commercial-free handmade items, many supporting creative free play. This year’s fair will be held on November 3rd at Berkshire Trail Elementary School in Cummington, MA. Registration is now open for crafters who make handmade, commercial-free items for kids of all ages. Spaces are also open for anyone interested in leading hour long gift-making workshops for children and/or adults. This is a great family-friendly event. If you are interested in learning more, email Stacey at cummingtonfamilycenter@yahoo.com.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL CLASS: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

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Welcome!

Welcome to Hilltown Families, an online grassroots communication network for families living throughout the four counties of Western Massachusetts. Hilltown Families believes in creating resilient and sustainable communities by developing and strengthening a sense of place in our children and citizens through community-based education and engagement. We work to accomplish this by highlighting the embedded learning that is found everywhere in our communities, making the information accessible to families, and giving parents/educators access to opportunities that support their children’s interests and education while encouraging community engagement.

Hilltown Families was founded in 2005 by Sienna Wildfield and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Established in 2005, Hilltown Families has been supporting community-based education through community engagement for over a decade! With your support, we can continue to connect community members of all ages with learning and value-based opportunities throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts! Make a tax-deductible donation to Hilltown Families today! - Hilltown Families is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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“We try to go to at least one of the Hilltown Families recommended events each weekend to keep our son experiencing new, educational, and community oriented experiences. Hilltown Families supports my interests in education through community engagement by providing a network of families with similar interests in the same area…a sense of belonging to a group that supports my goals and interests.” – Yi-Lo Yu (Southampton, MA)

"Hilltown Families keeps us connected with all the amazing educational and cultural activities and resources that abound here in W. Mass and curates them in a way to let us know just what’s out there for the many varied interests of our young families and communities, while creating networks of support and growth." - Kara Kitchen (Plainfield, MA)

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Information provided on Hilltown Families (HTF) is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Reasonable efforts are made to provide the most accurate information, but no guarantees of any kind can be made. Information can be changed without prior notice. Please check with 3rd parties to confirm all listings for date/time, cost, location and age appropriateness before attending. Opinions expressed on HTF are that of the writer and not necessarily that of HTF. In no event shall HTF be liable (directly or indirectly) for any losses or damages causes (or allegedly caused) in connection with HTF. All health and wellness related information is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used to substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. All provided links are provided as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. HTF is not responsible for the content of external websites.